Nigeria’s Military Responds to Anti-Police Protests with Violence

FEATURING ADOTEI AKWEI – Protests in Nigeria against police violence continue to escalate as increasing numbers of people are killed by the military. Members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, have come under fire from the public for brutal acts of violence. On October 20th, at a major #EndSARS protest, armed forces shot into crowds killing more than a dozen people.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari spoke to his nation calling on young people to, “discontinue the street protests and constructively engage the government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.” After coming under fire for failing to mention the killings he recently admitted that nearly 70 people had been killed during the protests.

Adotei Akwei is the Deputy Director for Advocacy and Government Relations for Amnesty International USA.